Description
This Southern Strawberry Sweet Tea blends the juicy sweetness of fresh strawberries with a touch of lemon and perfectly brewed tea. A refreshing, fruity twist on the classic sweet tea, it’s ideal for summer gatherings, barbecues, or any occasion when you crave a cool, sweet drink.
Ingredients
- For the strawberry simple syrup:
- 3 cups strawberries, washed, stems removed, and sliced (should measure 3 cups after slicing)
- 2 cups water
- 1 cup sugar
- For the sweet tea:
- 3 cups boiling water
- 3 family-sized Lipton original tea bags
- 1 cup sugar
- 8 cups cold water (in a large pitcher)
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 lemon, sliced or cut into wedges for garnish
- 6–8 strawberries (washed, stems on, with a cut at the bottom for garnish)
- Ice
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine 2 cups of water, 1 cup of sugar, and sliced strawberries. Cook over medium-high heat and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat and simmer for 30 minutes, or until the strawberries are soft and the liquid turns a deep red color.
- Strain the strawberries using a mesh strainer into your pitcher. Gently press the strawberries but avoid pressing too hard to prevent chunks from getting into your tea.
- While the strawberry simple syrup is cooling, place 3 cups of hot water in a large bowl. Add the 3 family-sized tea bags and let them steep for 5 minutes.
- Remove the tea bags and stir 1 cup of sugar into the tea until fully dissolved.
- Pour the brewed tea into the pitcher with the strawberry simple syrup.
- Add 8 cups of cold water to the pitcher and stir well. Add the juice of 1 lemon and mix again.
- Cover the pitcher and refrigerate for 2-3 hours, or until the tea is very cold.
- Serve over ice and garnish with lemon wedges and strawberries. Enjoy!
Notes
- For a stronger strawberry flavor, feel free to add more sliced strawberries to the simple syrup.
- This tea can be served with or without extra sweetener depending on your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: undefined
- Category: Beverages, Summer Drinks
- Method: Chilled
- Cuisine: Southern
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 23g
- Sodium: 5mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
